Guilford County Board approves school policy updates affecting families

The Guilford County Board of Education on Jan. 13 approved a set of policy revisions and repeals following a 30-day public input period, updating school rules to reflect recent state law changes and to codify current Guilford County Schools (GCS) practices.

Key changes include revisions to Policy 3200 Selection of Instructional Materials to formalize a parent's right to opt their child out of checking out specific materials from school library media centers. The update codifies how GCS has been handling library materials and responds to state requirements that districts provide an opt-out mechanism.

Technology Responsible Use policies, listed as 3225/4312/7329, were revised to incorporate state-mandated elements that prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. The change aims to align classroom management with legal standards and reduce in-class distractions tied to phones and other wireless devices.

Policy 3320 Field Trips now reflects state law requirements for parental consent on student rooming assignments during overnight trips and adds provisions addressing non-school-sponsored trips. The revision affects how schools and district-approved groups manage chaperoning, housing and parental permissions for overnight travel.

Health and safety policy 6125 Administration of Medications to Students was updated to allow certain emergency medications permitted by law, such as epinephrine delivery systems, to be stocked and administered at schools. The change broadens the tools available to staff responding to allergic reactions and other emergencies.

Personnel-related updates include revisions to Policy 7100 Recruitment and Selection of Personnel, which now includes state-specified policy elements for background checks of contracted bus drivers. Policy 7950 Retention and Nonrenewal was revised to reflect current legal requirements and counsel recommendations and was expanded to address all contract employees.

The board also voted to repeal several older policies whose content has been superseded or incorporated into other rules; the district has published the full list of revised and repealed policy numbers on the district site.

For Guilford County residents, the approvals sharpen the legal framework governing classroom conduct, student safety and employee vetting. Parents now have a formalized route to block specific library checkouts, schools have clearer authority to limit device use during lessons, and emergency-response capacity in schools is enhanced by allowing stocked epinephrine systems. Contracted transportation vendors will face clarified background check requirements, which could affect hiring and contracting practices.

Community members who want details on specific policy language can review the district’s posted materials. Expect schools and administrators to follow up with implementation guidance as the district integrates the new policy language into handbooks, permission forms and district procedures.